Somerset man jailed for football disorder at Bristol City v Swansea match

A SOMERSET man has been jailed for his involvement in anti-social behaviour and violence at a football match in Bristol.

David Darch, 32, of Wellington, faces 16 weeks behind bars after admitting a public order offence.

He faces jail for his part in the disorder before, during and after a football match between Bristol City and Swansea City on Saturday February 2.

The court also gave him a six-year football banning order (FBO).

The hearing was held in Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Thursday June 13 .

Five other men also admitted public order offences:

Leigh Phillips, 52, of Swansea, has a six-year FBO and a total eight-week prison sentence for public order offences inside and outside the ground.

A 24-year-old from LLanelli must carry out 200 hours unpaid work. He also has a six-week suspended prison term and a four-year FBO

A Swansea man aged 36 must do 200 hours of unpaid work and has a four-year FBO. The judge also handed him a six-week jail term for behaviour she described as ‘loutish’

A 24-year-old man from Bristol has a 12-week suspended prison sentence and a five-year FBO. He must carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and pay a £150 fine

A 40-year-old man from Bristol who admitted pitch incursion was given a three-year FBO and faces no other penalty.

Three other men are also due to be sentenced at a future date.

Judge Matthews told the court that Bristol residents are “sick and tired” of football violence whether it involves local teams’ followers or visitors.

She said: “I do not accept any criticism at all of the police in the park or their actions on the day. They were up against louts and hooligans and did the best job they could.”

DI David Lewis, who is leading the investigation, said: “We’re working with Bristol City FC, Ashton Gate Stadium and Swansea City FC, as well as British Transport Police and South Wales Police colleagues on this complex investigation.

"This behaviour has no place in football. We are all committed to working together to deal robustly with any football-related offences which have such a negative impact on Bristol.”

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